Iraq Panel Seeks Constitution Extension

[dotcoma]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=994394

BAGHDAD, Iraq Jul 31, 2005 — Key members of the committee writing the new Iraqi constitution said Sunday they need another month to finish the draft, threatening U.S. efforts to maintain political momentum to combat the insurgency.

Later, President Jalal Talabani insisted the Aug. 15 deadline for parliamentary approval must be met, and the United States stepped up pressure on the Iraqis to stick by the timetable.

In continuing violence, five U.S. soldiers were killed by roadside bombs in two separate incidents in Baghdad, the U.S. military said Sunday.

In Saturday's first attack, a patrol hit a roadside bomb in the southern Dora neighborhood, killing a soldier from Task Force Baghdad, a statement said. Two others were wounded.

Late Saturday night, at about 11 p.m., four soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb exploded in southwestern Baghdad.

At least 1,794 members of the U.S. military have died since the Iraq war began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

Marines also battled insurgents with tanks and aircraft in western Iraq after the Americans came under attack from a village schoolhouse, the U.S. military said. Eleven insurgents were killed, the military said.

[oranged]

The US soldeirs will stop dying if they leave, and the insurgency mainly attacks because the Americans are there.

[dotcoma]

The US soldeirs will stop dying if they leave, and the insurgency mainly attacks because the Americans are there.

And that has ...what to do with my article? Stay out if you are just going to push your little repetitous garbage please.

[Zeebadee]

And that has ...what to do with my article? Stay out if you are just going to push your little repetitous garbage please.

I think there's a definite connection between American casualties and the likelihood that an Iraqi constitution will survive a post-war scenario. More GI deaths increase the pressure Washington will apply to meet the deadline for a new constitution. More pressure will increase the compromises the writers have to make, thus making the constitution less stable after the Americans pull out.